A Record Large Wolf, Canis lupus, Pack in Minnesota

L. David Mech

This report documents a pack of 22-23 Wolves (Canis lupus) in central
Minnesota. This is larger than the largest pack previously observed on the mainland
in the midwestern U.S. during 650 wolf pack-years. Because this record-large
pack preyed on White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), one of the
Wolf's smaller prey, it is evidence that pack size and prey size are not tightly
related. It also indicates the size that Wolf packs can attain in the area if
fully protected from human persecution.